Series: Night Runner #0.5
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Published by: Carina Press on January 16, 2012
Format: eARC
Pages: 91
Source: Author
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Anchorage, Alaska.
The vampire population may have created an economic boom in Alaska, but their altered energy field fries most technology. They rely on hard-living—and short-lived—couriers to get business done…couriers like Sydney Kildare.
Sydney has survived to the ripe old age of twenty-six by being careful. She’s careful when navigating her tempestuous clients, outrunning hijackers and avoiding anyone who might distract her from her plan of retiring young to a tropical, vampire-free island.
Her attitude—and immunity to vampires’ allure—have made her the target of a faction of vampires trying to reclaim their territory. Her only ally is Malcolm Kelly, a secretive charmer with the uncanny habit of showing up whenever she’s in trouble. Caught in the middle of a vampire turf war, Sydney has to count on Malcolm to help her survive, or the only place she’ll retire is her grave…
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
An outstanding, original vampire novella you’ll read in one sitting!
Sydney Kildare, known as Mary to the world, lives a life of constant change. As a vampire courier, she is constantly on the move and has remained alive due to her discretion and chameleon ways. Even a night out can be dangerous in her line of work, needless to say, Sydney’s social life is near non-existent. While having some drinks with her fellow couriers, Sydney is spotted by vampires and soon is caught in a life threatening situation. In walks the charming Malcolm Kelly ,who rushes as her knight in shining armor, “rescues” her from being dinner, and leaves her wanting with a searing kiss before his departure.
Ready to give up her life of running, Sydney is set on retiring far away from Alaska, where she plans to live a normal life. Before she can do that she gets a job, one last gig before retirement can’t hurt, right? Wrong. Sydney has a special ability that she keeps secret but plays a huge role in her line of work, she cannot be enthralled by a vampire. When her secret is discovered, she is caught in the middle of a vampire turf war and will need to seek the help of her “dark knight” in order to live another day.
I’m a vampire junkie, if it’s about vampires, I’ve either read it or going to read it. After reading so many books on the subject of vampires you feel you’ve read it all…I must say, DON’T BITE THE MESSENGER totally caught me off guard and I was deeply immersed in the dark, yet romantic world of Ms. Summers. Our heroine is my favorite kind, she’s smart, ballsy and sometimes vulnerable. She’s confident and her voice really shines in this story; I instantly liked her and loved her by the last chapter. Malcolm has an aura of mystery and a suave personality that make him a swoon-worthy hero. I truly adore that there is undeniable attraction between these two from the start but not the “I know we just met but I’m in love with you” that we often see. Their pairing is smart and just fits. Although I wanted more sexy scenes between these two, I was satisfied with the carnal passion Sydney and Malcolm share.
DON’T BITE THE MESSENGER is a quick-paced, action packed urban fantasy with a touch of romance. The author introduces her fascinating world of vampires politics and their human courier “pawns” in the perfect setting for the paranormal, Alaska. A well developed plot and captivating characters draw you into an original story but unfortunately ends too soon. I must praise Ms. Summers for bringing our couple back together but there are some loose ends I want answered. I’m hoping this is the beginning of a series and that I haven’t seen the last of Sydney and Malcolm yet. This is a must read for anyone who loves a thrill ride with a kick a** heroine and a sexy leading man!
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